January 25, 2019

Windham Middle School Student Council conducted a Week of
Giving in memory of our Health Teacher Mrs. Leroy who passed away on December
13th. They designated specific items for each day of the week
(Canned goods, pet items, baby items, paper goods and a gift for a child) was
collected from each grade to benefit the Windham Food Pantry.

The students held a friendly competition and the winning
homeroom from each grade won a cupcake party. The school made two deliveries to
the Windham Food Pantry before Christmas and the last delivery went over today.
The students collected 957 items for the Pantry! To the left is a photo of the last donation with the Student Council members and students from the winning
classrooms.

The
Windham Town Council met on Tuesday evening, January 22 at 7 p.m. at the Town
Hall in the Council Chambers room.

The
evening began with public comments, including issues discussed from the previous
week’s council meeting. Holly Tubbs, owner of Water Systems at 158 Roosevelt
Trail, spoke to the council in response to the issues surrounding marijuana
establishments, specifically as it relates to the sale of her property in a
zone which “construction services” are not allowed. “Marijuana is now legal in
Maine,” she said. “But under federal law, marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled
substance. In Maine, doctors cannot legally prescribe marijuana to patients,
they only certify its use.” Tubb also noted a few other arguments, ending her
comment to the council by stating: “This is what I have been referring to when
I am asking people to sign my petition. Marijuana sales and growing are allowed
in a C-3 zone, but not construction services – a legal business by both state
and federal law.”

A
Windham resident addressed concerns he has regarding property values on
Maverick Lane due to a marijuana establishment in this residential area. In
reference to and to point out the disparity - he stated that there are approximately 13
retail stores in Windham with a population of 18,000, while there are 14
marijuana retails stores in Fresno, California with ½ million people. “I
recommend implementing rapid amendments, ordinances and restrictions to require
a buffer zone between shops and retail stores.” For safety and quality of life,
he implored to make the changes quickly.

Among
the many agenda items, discussion regarding the town-owned Morrell Property and
the possible uses to that land lead to a debate with various opinions and facts
expressed. Expansion of the cemetery on that land was one option while the consideration
of a community center building location was a preferred use by others. It was
decided to put the topic on a future agenda, inviting public comment.

Katrina
Vehnuizen of Eco-Maine, Senior Environmental Educator, was invited to speak to
the Council regarding concerns with curbside and silver bullet recycling
programs. The concern was contamination with recycling – materials inappropriately
placed in containers and as a result, the fees the town is receiving. After a
PowerPoint presentation, the Council discussed ways to educate the public
regarding proper recycling.

For
full details of the meeting and other agenda items discussed, go to the town
website at www.windhammaine.us.

On a bright sunny day, Age Friendly Raymond team members
traveled to Augusta for a long-awaited announcement. Meeting in the Hall of
Flags, Susan Moore, Laurie Wallace and Sheila Bourque were welcomed by State
Representative Jessica Fay and given a tour of the Capital. They were treated to a picture on the House
floor with the Representative and were given Maine State pins.

Visitors were treated to lunch and the Hall was a festive
gathering place for over 200 seniors and

Age Friendly Raymond steering committee visits the State House on AARP Tuesdays. Sheila Bourque, Rep.Fay, Susan Moore and Laurie Wallace

guests awaiting Governor Mills
arrival. The housing bond, approved by almost 70 percent of Maine voters
in a statewide referendum, will fund construction of more than 200 new
affordable housing units for low-income seniors and the weatherization of
another 100 existing homes for low-income seniors. The bond will also trigger
more than $22.5 million in matching federal funds. According to the Maine
Affordable Housing Coalition, more than 9,000
seniors are currently waiting for safe, affordable housing.

The financial order Governor Mills signed on January 15 will
allow $500,000 to be used immediately to fund ongoing projects for home repair
and weatherization. Governor Mills also signed a letter to Maine Treasurer
Henry Beck declaring her intent to authorize the sale of the remainder of the
bond for any ready projects come June.

“While the people of Maine authorized this bond more than 1,000
days ago, today we proudly move forward in our goal of ensuring all Maine
seniors can live safely and with dignity and comfort in the homes and
communities they love,” said Governor Janet Mills. “It’s time to build more
affordable senior housing as the voters intended.”

After the press conference the team attended a meeting of the
Caucus on Aging, co-chaired by Representative Fay and were given a preview of
the many bills that legislators were working on for the coming session.

Age Friendly Raymond meets on the second Monday of the month at
2 p.m. at the Raymond Public Safety Building.

January 18, 2019

Focus is on opportunities to support healthy, engaged and secure Aging at home

Legislative leaders met on Tuesday, January 15, to hear
about Maine’s changing demographic landscape and to discuss pending legislative
initiatives that can support healthy, engaged and secure aging in
Maine. The Caucus on Aging is led by Senators Paul Davis and Erin Herbig
and Representatives Jessica Fay and William Tuell.

“Mainers have always found opportunity in the
challenges of the day,” said Representative Jessica Fay of Raymond. “We are
living longer, and as we age, rethinking how we approach issues impacting
older people becomes more critical. Our Caucus will highlight the
opportunities of the Longevity Era and legislative solutions that can help us
all live healthy, active lives as we age in our homes and communities."

“We have an opportunity to improve the quality of life
for older Mainers by working together on a wide range of issues,” said
Representative William Tuell of East Machias. “We have to find ways to
reduce the effect of property taxes on older Mainers, make it easier for people
to stay connected and safe while they age, and support quality long term care
and assisted living options while still ensuring others can access the services
they need.”

“We hear constantly from our older constituents that they need help with things
like housing, home repair and transportation and from caregivers that they need
more support,” said Senator Erin Herbig of Belfast. “Legislators have
come to Augusta ready to solve these, and many other challenges facing older
Mainers and our Caucus creates a forum to find the right solutions.”

“We’ve found solutions to tough problems in the past, but
only when we’re working together,” said

Senator Paul Davis of
Sangerville. “Our Caucus will bring legislators from all parts of the
State together to focus on tough challenges like property tax relief and
transportation. If we can find solutions we can all agree on and that
work in every part of Maine, everyone will win.”

Elizabeth Gattine, Senior Policy Associate at the Muskie
School, in the Disability and Aging program area, will be speaking to caucus
members on Tuesday to offer an overview of Maine’s aging landscape and our long
term supports and services system. Elizabeth has extensive knowledge and
experience in the design, implementation and administration of Medicaid
policy and programming, particularly in the delivery of long term services and
supports and is a lead author of “Charting
a Pathway Forward: Redesigning and Realigning Supports and Services for Maine's
Older Adults”. She will underscore the opportunities
we have to implement innovative solutions to the challenges facing older
Mainers.

On January 7, Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) welcomed Matt Markot as its new
Executive Director. Markot, who resides in Harrison, takes the lead for the conservation
organization from retiring Executive Director Thom Perkins.

Most
recently, Markot worked for LELT supporting the organization’s stewardship and
conservation easement programs, in addition to organizing the 2018 Loon Echo
Trek. He also worked as a part-time consultant through Sebago Clean Waters to
support both Loon Echo and Western Foothills Land Trusts with their
conservation efforts.

“Our
board is thrilled to have Matt lead Loon Echo and we are looking forward to
working with him to continue the positive impact that Loon Echo has on our
community,” said Loon Echo Board President, David Diller as he welcomed Markot
to his new role at the organization.

Mr.
Markot brings a wealth of natural resource, conservation, and environmental
education experience from years working around the state of Maine at places
such as the Nature Conservancy, the Maine Natural Areas Program, and
Kieve-Wavus Education Inc. Matt has strong family ties to the Bridgton area and
grew up spending his summers on the shores of Moose Pond. A Registered Maine
Guide and Wilderness First Responder, Matt enjoys skiing, hiking, camping and
fishing.

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to step into a new role in an
organization that I have great respect for,” Markot said upon starting his
first week as Executive Director. “The passion that Loon Echo’s board, staff,
members, and volunteers bring to conservation work in our region inspires me to
lead by their example. I intend to build upon Loon Echo’s strengths while
keeping sight of the traditions that make protected land so integral to our way
of life in the Lake Region.”

Markot will succeed Thom Perkins, Loon Echo’s Executive
Director from 2016-2018. Mr. Perkins will support the leadership transition by
acting as Senior Advisor to the organization until the end of March. He will be assisting Mr. Markot in
organizational management during the transition. During his tenure, Perkins
finalized the organization’s Land Trust Alliance national accreditation,
negotiated the donation of land for a new preserve on Highland Lake, negotiated
and developed donated land for recreational access to Pleasant Mountain,
acquired the technological tools needed to position the organization for the
future, spearheaded additional conservation easement land, increased the
capacity of the organization by increasing staff in mission critical areas, was
instrumental in developing an organization to protect the region’s clean water
and laid the groundwork for additional Loon Echo Land Trust conservation
efforts.

“I am
more than pleased that the Board of Directors selected Matt. I can’t think of a
better candidate to take over this position and move Loon Echo into the
future,” said Perkins, “there are a lot of exciting plans in the works and
Matt’s the perfect person to press onwards.”

Loon
Echo Land Trust will host a snowshoe walk of their latest project,
Peabody-Fitch Woods on Saturday, January 26 at 9 a.m. The public will have an
opportunity to meet the new Executive Director, explore the property and learn
more about the project. More information on this event can be found at Loon
Echo’s website, www.lelt.org.

Loon
Echo Land Trust protects nearly 6,700 acres of land and manages 30 miles of
multi-use trails in the northern Sebago Lake region. Its mission is to work
with the local residents to conserve the region’s natural resources and
character for current and future generations. Loon Echo serves seven towns
including Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago. Loon
Echo works within its service area to safeguard water quality, preserve scenic
locations such as Bald Pate Mountain, Pleasant Mountain and Hacker’s Hill, and
provide fun educational programs to the public. Loon Echo also assists
landowners to take steps to ensure future generations will benefit from the
preservation of their lands.

For
information about membership, upcoming events, or ways you can support Loon
Echo Land Trust, go to their website www.lelt.org, call 207-647-4352, or drop
by their office Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., located at 8 Depot St,
Suite 4 in Bridgton.

Sam Williams
with his parents and Windham VFW Commander Willie Goodman. Sam Williams, a
student at Windham Christian Academy, was the state winner of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen annual essay contest. Sam entered at the Windham
Post level, moved on to win the district level, and on Saturday night at the
state awards banquet in Bangor, he was awarded first placed with a certificate
and a $500 check. Sam’s essay will now be entered to represent Maine along with
winners from other states to determine the national winner who will get an
all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. and a cash award. Windham VFW 10643
and our community are very proud of Sam.

The
Windham Town Council met on Tuesday evening, January 15 at 6 p.m. at the Town
Hall in the Council Chambers room.

The
evening began with a public comment from a Windham citizen whose home is
located on Maverick Lane. On January 1, a medical marijuana storefront opened
at the entrance of Maverick Lane, two doors down from the citizen’s home as
well directly in front of a bus stop and within two miles of local schools,
including daycares. Marijuana storefronts are required to be in a C-1 zone,
while this store front is in a C-3 zone. “How did this get passed?” the citizen
asked the Council. “This may have been an oversite and needs to be rectified.”

Tom
Bartell, Executive Director of WEDC wanted to bring the public’s attention to
the highway resurfacing project along Route 302. Resurfacing of Route 302 will
begin this spring starting .17 miles north of White’s Bridge Road in Windham,
extending northwesterly 11.28 miles ending in Naples.

After
the new pavement is placed, no permit to open this segment of the highway will
be granted for a period of 3 years. “Whatever
notification you can provide to business and property owners regarding this
information would be appreciated,” Bartell told the Council.

The
Town Council also heard from Bartell and Holly Tubbs, owner of Water Systems at
158 Roosevelt Trail, a C3 zone. Bartell explained that property owners have not
been able to sell or expand as a result of the missing term, construction
services, that was eliminated in 2016. Tubbs stated to the Council, “I
respectfully ask for you to allow Construction services in C3. Anything less is
devaluing our properties and I have no idea what it does to the value of the
residences the town is encourage people to build in a commercial zone.”

The
Town Council asked Bartell and Tubbs offer a narrow definition of the light
services/commercial industry/construction services that could be added to the
definition and present it to the Council for consideration at a later date to
be determined.

For
full details of the meeting and other agenda items discussed, go to the town
website at www.windhammaine.us.

Approximately 20 individuals in the Raymond community
attended the RSU14 withdrawal committee’s public workshop on Thursday, January
10 to express thoughts and concerns regarding the potential of Raymond schools
withdrawing from the RSU14 school district. It was an evening of open, honest
and civil discussion, located at Broadcast Studio, 423 Webbs Mills Road.

“The purpose of tonight’s forum is to listen to you express
your thoughts - we are not here for you to listen to us,” stated the Chair of
the withdrawal committee, Rolf Olsen. “We may not be able to answer all your
questions tonight, but we are here to listen and to take into consideration
everything you say so that we can put together a coherent plan.”

The first individual to speak at the podium was Susan
Brackett, fourth grade teacher at Raymond Elementary School (RES). Brackett has
been teaching at RES for many years, including before and after the RSU14 merger.
She stated her major concern was how the withdrawal would affect the students
and curriculum, specifically in terms of special education coaching, math
coaching and professional development. “If we withdraw, we’ll lose a lot of
financial support that will negatively impact the students – especially the
struggling students. I am afraid that there will not be enough money in the
budget to support high quality educational needs.”

RES Vice-Principal Beth Peavey concurred with the issues
Brackett shared regarding the impact on services and the students.
Additionally, she stated concerns regarding how the morale of the teachers was
being affected through the withdrawal process. She also spoke about her
concerns of the decline in student population.

Other issues mentioned regarding the RSU14 withdrawal
included but were not limited to the following:

*Parents who recently moved to Raymond as a result of the
present RSU14 school district and are

very disappointed to learn that a
withdrawal is being considered.

*The vote to start a withdrawal happened in August when
there is little turnout due to vacations, etc. (Committee explained that state
statue mandated the voting process.)

*More awareness is needed surrounding the withdrawal
efforts – to inform the public.

*There seems to be more concern regarding the financial
aspects and less concern on quality education.

*Suggestion was made that the withdrawal committee take
time to listen to the teachers individually. “A public forum is good, but perhaps
consider meeting the teachers separately to answer their questions.”

*Continuity of services if the withdrawal occurs.

*Question regarding the long-term plan. “What is the plan
for the next five to 10 years?”

*Question regarding cost. “What will it cost to run a
school independently?”

*Question regarding change. “What has changed since the
last withdrawal effort a couple of years ago?”

There was also community support for the withdrawal.

Retired educator, Walter Lunt, stated he was in support
of withdrawing from the RSU14 district. “I

Walter Lunt

view the consolidation as a forced
marriage, one that has been on shaky ground since it has been instituted.” Lunt
told the committee. “This union has never felt like a single district. One
issue that convinced me that we will never work well together was a proposal that
was made when student enrollment was up in one town and down in the other. The proposal
was to have students from North Windham be transported to Raymond. That ended
up being a very contentious battle. It wasn’t one district working together
using existing resources but one town versus another.”

Lunt further explained that both towns have very good
reasons for how they wish to proceed but are diverse in approach. “Bottom line,
we [Raymond] are fundamentally different in the way we spend funds, our population
and the geography. It just seems each town needs to run their own school.”

He did admit that the separation may not save tax-payer money
but stated that it is hard to put a price on autonomy,which he highly values.

Others who spoke for the withdrawal shared Lunt’s sentiments,
naming the new maintenance building in Windham as one of the determining
factors, with local control a big consideration for those who wish to disband
the merger.

All in attendance, whether for or against the withdrawal,
agreed that choice of high school and providing top-quality education are two
of the upmost important considerations.

The committee responded to concerns and questions as they
could - reminding all present that the intent of going through the withdrawal
process is to see if a more cohesive collaboration can take place between the
two towns. It was clarified that saving money was not the sole purpose of the
initiated withdrawal but to bring back local control, with quality education as
the sole focus. It was also reiterated that there would be a continuity of
services, including all the support systems such as special education, etc. No
matter how the withdrawal process unfolds, choice of high school will remain in
effect.

The public workshop was a required portion of the 22-step
withdrawal processes. The next withdrawal committee meeting will take place on
Monday, January 28 and will be an executive session. There will be another public
workshop in February, date yet to be determined.

January 11, 2019

If
there is anything we have learned from the last two years, it’s that our laws
and practices need to do better by survivors of domestic violence and sexual
assault. This includes survivors of human trafficking, who are often left out
of this important conversation. And quite frankly, these brave individuals
deserve much better.

January
is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and all across the country, activists,
survivors and lawmakers stand up to raise awareness about this horrific
practice that remains both pervasive and prevalent in our culture. Human
trafficking is essentially the taking away of another individual’s rights —
whether they are a child or adult — and forcing that individual into labor or
sexual acts. It’s an ugly crime that happens right here in Maine. Research
shows that many of the individuals forced into labor or sex trafficking are
minors.

One of
the challenges when it comes to human trafficking is that lawmakers and other
officials struggle to understand the scope of the issue. According to a 2015
report, it’s estimated thatthat roughly 200-300Maine people are trafficked each year.
However, the report also confirms thatmost victims do not reportthe
crime to law enforcement. That is heartbreaking. It’s clear we must do more
within our existing laws to protect and reach victims.

This
reluctance to share information seems to be a recurring problem within Maine’s
reporting system, especially when including the child abuse cases from last
year. It wasn’t until the tragic deaths of Marissa Kennedy and Kendall Chick
that Mainers came out of the woodwork to share their concerns with the system
and provide critical input. Mainers should feel confident coming forward with
information and working with law enforcement to create safer communities and a
more secure state. We cannot afford to keep waiting until it’s too late.

This
session, I have sponsored legislation to protect minors in Maine from being
charged with prostitution. It’s important to remember that the victims of human
trafficking are just that — victims — and should not be held accountable for
being forced to commit crimes against their will.

For
victims of human trafficking, it’s important to know that there are resources
in our state and our community to get help. TheNational Human Trafficking Hotlineis a great resource for victims. It’s
a free, toll-free number that is available 24/7 and in more than 200 languages
to provide resources, support and a pathway to freedom. To access this
resource, please call 1-888-373-7888 or send a text message to 711.

At the
end of the day, I believe we need to do more to protect the individuals from
birth through adulthood from abuse. Human Trafficking Awareness Month is good
because it reminds us that we still have a lot of work to do.

As
always, please feel free to contact me atdiamondhollyd@aol.comor (207) 287-1515 if you have any
questions, comments or concerns. I will do my best to keep you updated on what
is happening in Augusta as we work to strengthen state laws and improve our
child welfare system. It’s incumbent upon us to better protect the people of
Maine. Rest assured — this will be my number one priority this session.

In
March, Greenheart will once again bring a group of international exchange
students to the area, this time for a short-term school experience. Kathy
Hansen, a local coordinator for Greenheart, said the group of 25 students from
Japan will arrive on March 2nd and depart March 12th.The organization is seeking host families for
these students.

Hosting
a student for the ten days does not require anything special, and costs nothing
aside from the cost of feeding the student, Hansen said. The students are
coming to go to school, and don’t need to be entertained outside of school
hours beyond what the family would normally be doing.There is one trip to Boston arranged, Hansen
said, but does not involve any responsibility for the host family.

Host
families can be from almost anywhere in the local area, and they do not have to
have children the same age as the exchange student. Single people or couples
with no children are also welcome to host. Students can share a bedroom with a
student of the same gender and similar age.

Greenheart
arranges the school visit with the local district, and students can leave for
school right from the home, either via school bus or with another family who is
driving a student to school.

Hansen
said that the experience is as valuable for the host families as it is for the
exchange students.They will learn more
about Japanese culture, make a friend for life, and learn more about the world
around them. “Instead of going to Japan, you get to bring Japan to your home
for ten days,” Hansen said. Often, hosts are invited to visit the students they
host at a later time, she added.

“People
often don’t realize how much hosting an exchange student has to offer them,”
Hansen said.“I don’t think people
realize how much impact it has on the family.”Hosting is something people can do at almost no cost and is both
educational and important to the global economy and building bridges of
friendship throughout the world, Hansen said. Hosting helps build skills such
as communicating, getting along with other people, and understanding other
cultures, she added.

Although
students won’t arrive until March, host families need to be identified as soon
as possible.If hosting the whole ten
days is too much Hansen said they are open to having people host for part of
the ten days as well.

Greenheart
also has students who come for a semester or a year and hosting short-term is a
good way to try it out. In the summer, they will have a group of students from
France for a couple of weeks, so that is another good opportunity if hosting
right now isn’t possible.

January 4, 2019

On Wednesday, January 2, folk and rock music
musician, David Young Jr. of Raymond sang The National Anthem at the opening of the
2019 Maine State Legislature in Augusta. Young, who has been performing locally
for over four years with his latest performances in Portland, has plans to move
to Nashville in the near future to follow his dreams.

Reverend Wendy
Rozene of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church receives a
check for $500 for St. Ann’s Essentials Pantry from Susan Quinn of Faith
Lutheran Church. Recently St Ann’s and Faith Lutheran have teamed up to support
and operate the Pantry. The pantry is open the last Saturday of each month from
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. serving families by providing personal and household
items that EBT cards and the food pantries in the area don’t cover. Under the
direction of Rev. Rozene, the pantry has served over 100 families, with
approximately 30 who attend monthly to receive the needed items.

AUGUSTA — Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, has been
appointed by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to chair the Joint
Standing Committee on Transportation for the 129th Legislative session. The
Transportation Committee is responsible for legislation related to roads,
bridges, highways, trains and other transportation-related matters.

“I am thrilled to be Senate chair of the Transportation Committee because of
the many transportation-related needs in my Senate district,” said Sen.
Diamond. “This committee is one of the most highly sought-after committees in
the legislature, and I’m proud to be able to serve as Senate chair for the next
two years.”

Sen. Diamond also will serve on the Legislature’s
Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, which is responsible for
legislation related to Maine’s forests and farmlands.

Sen. Diamond has had a distinguished career in public
service. In previous terms, he has served on the Criminal Justice and Public
Safety Committee, as the Senate chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on
Criminal Justice, and as a member of the Transportation Committee. In the 124th
Legislature, he served as the chairman of Appropriations and Financial Affairs
Committee. From 1989 to 1997, Sen. Diamond served as Maine’s Secretary of
State. Before his tenure as Secretary of State, he served three terms in the
Maine House of Representatives, including one term as assistant majority
leader.

Lawmakers are assigned to
committees by the presiding officers based on their interests, experience and
professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three
senators and ten representatives. The Legislature reconvened on Wednesday,
January 2.

The 22nd Annual Richard Nickerson Scholarship
Concert will take place on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Windham
Performing Arts Center at Windham High School. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10
for seniors and $5 for students, available at the door.

As a special encore to the night, an alumni chorus will
perform and be conducted by Windham High School alumna Dr Sandi Howard.

The Richard Nickerson Scholarship Committee was formed in
1997 by parents of Windham Chamber Singers students in appreciation of Windham
High School Choral Director, Dr. Richard Nickerson. Since its formation, the
RNS Committee has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to twenty-nine
Windham High School graduating seniors pursuing music studies as part of their
college experience.

Over
50 towns in Maine are members of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities
including Raymond. Windham will soon be added to the list through the efforts
of the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC).

At
the December 11 Windham Town Council meeting, Deb McAfee and Marge Govoni, two
members of HSAC, presented to the Council the importance and purpose of an
age-friendly community.But more
importantly, McAfee and Govoni were there to ask the town leaders for support to join the AARP Network of
Age-Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly
Cities and Communities in order to conduct a town wide assessment. The survey
will determine the needs of Windham.

Sheila
Bourque, a leader in Raymond’s successful efforts, was available to offer
additional information and answer questions from Council members. Raymond
officially became a part of the age-friendly network in November 2017.

Per AARP, “age-friendly networks are not retirement
villages, gated developments, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.”
Instead they are livable communities that help promote the areas’ health and
economic growth. An age-friendly community also provides opportunity for
individuals to age in place, making sure services are available so one can
remain in their home, independently, as long as possible. And just as imperative,
to provide a rich intergenerational experience for all residents.

It is important to note that membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities
does not mean AARP endorses any particular municipality as a place to live.
What membership means is that the community's elected leadership has made the
commitment to actively work toward making their town a great place for people
of all ages.

“Forty
percent of Windham’s residents are age 50 and over,” Govoni said. “We have
received feedback that many individuals in this age bracket are feeling misplaced
and Windham is not a home for them. It is our goal to change that.”

McAfee
agreed, adding, “It is very hard to find services available because there is
not one central location in order to find the help that someone might need.” McAfee
also stated that there are a lot of services out there through the parks and
recreational department, area churches and library but there is not one hub
that collects all that information and makes it readily available. Many
services that are needed include transportation, shopping, food delivery and
handyman/maintenance services, to name just a few.

Members
of the town council unanimously voted to support and begin the process of
becoming part of an age-friendly network. So, what comes next?

“We
will first apply for the AARP mini-grant that will pay for the survey and then
we will establish an open community forum to invite residents to determine what
questions should be placed on that survey,” McAfee explained.

From
that point, the survey will be mailed out and made available. After the results
have been recorded, an age-friendly taskforce will be created. “It is our hope
that a member of the town council will be on that taskforce,” McAfee said. “That
taskforce will help develop the umbrella from which all services will be
consolidated.”

As
far as the other 60 percent of Windham residents who are less than 50 years
old, Govoni offers this reminder, “We all end up in this age bracket
eventually, so it is wise to be involved in this effort as much as possible. It
is your future you are preparing for.”